The resolution reads, in part: “WHEREAS, Prince designed a unique, tightly choreographed, impeccably rehearsed spectacle and then surprised the audience of millions with an unconventional set list as well; it commingled some of his own hits, including "Let's Go Crazy" and "1999," with a mind-boggling mash-up of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary," Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower," and Foo Fighters' "Best of You"; undeterred by a torrential storm over the stadium, he closed with a searing "Purple Rain," seeming to command the elements as well as the crowd with his epic guitar solo… RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 10th anniversary of Prince's Super Bowl concert and pay tribute to the memory of this incomparable artist.”

In this Feb. 4, 2007 file photo, Prince performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl XLI football game at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. less

The resolution includes a little history of pie: “Historians believe that pie originated with the ancient Greeks, who developed the first pastry shell; later, the Romans published the world's first pie recipe, which included rye-crusted goat cheese and honey, though fillings also included savory ingredients like meat and seafood; the English brought mincemeat pies with them as they crossed the ocean to America and the colonists continued the tradition, using dried fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg to season the filling.”

House Resolution 116 by Rep. John Frullo, R-Lubbock, congratulates Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV on his retirement as proprietor of Ralph’s Records in Lubbock.

“Fostering a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that customers loved, Mr. DeWitt always hired musicians and fellow music fans and encouraged them to share their knowledge, ideas, and opinions; the industry changed dramatically over the years, but he was able to adapt, adding such items as CDs, DVDs, and video games; all the while, he retained his allegiance to vinyl records, and he was ready to take full advantage of the revival of the format in the current decade; through the years, he has also been a steadfast supporter of live music in the city.”

House Resolution 172 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the University of Texas at El Paso's NCAA national basketball championship in 1966.

The resolution by Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, notes that Texas Western College, as UTEP was known then, beat No. 1 ranked University of Kentucky by a score of 93-89 in overtime. It marked the first time that five African-American players started a college championship game.

In this March 19, 1966 file photo, Texas Western College celebrates after winning the 1966 NCAA basketball championship in College Park, Md. less

House Resolution 172 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the University of Texas at El Paso's NCAA national basketball championship in 1966.

The Corpus Christi Democrat has authored or co-authored 199 resolutions or joint resolutions this session. That’s about four times as many bills as he authored. Many of the resolutions include congratulations to entire high school graduating classes, recognition of student achievements, accolades for community leaders and remembrances of the deceased.

House Resolution 394 marks the 80th anniversary of the New London School explosion in north Rusk County.

The resolution, by Rep. Travis Clardy, R-Nacogdoches, notes that in the aftermath of the explosion that killed 293 students and teachers, the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring that a distinctive scent be added to natural gas so future such tragedies could be avoided.

New London, Texas-Frantic parents, rescue workers and oil field employees probe a tangled and twisted mass of wreckage after a terrific explosion had leveled all but this corner of the New London High School, near Overton, March 19, 1937.

Senate Resolution 355 congratulates Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. on being named the 2017 Border Texan of the Year.

The resolution was by Sens. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo.

Senate Resolution 355 congratulates Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. on being named the 2017 Border Texan of the Year.

The resolution was by Sens. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo.

Photo: HARRY CABLUCK, AP

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Resolutions passed by Texas legislators in 2017

House Concurrent Resolution 65 recognizes the Stop the Bleed campaign.

The resolution by Sen. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, lauds the initiative, created in the wake of the 2012 mass shooting that killed 26 children and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Conn. The program teaches civilians bleeding-control methods developed by the military and first responders.

Representative Rafael Anchia leads a defiant caucus of Democrats expressing their objections to legislation, especially immigration related law, on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017. less

Representative Rafael Anchia leads a defiant caucus of Democrats expressing their objections to legislation, especially immigration related law, on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, ... more

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Senator Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, brings up a point of order which stalls out proceedings on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Senator Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, brings up a point of order which stalls out proceedings on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Representative Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth, recounts how Mexican Americans have been harrassed in Texas on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Representative Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth, recounts how Mexican Americans have been harrassed in Texas on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Lt. Governor Dan Patrick banters with senators, including Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, (center) who brought up a point of order which stalled proceedings in the chamber on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017. less

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick banters with senators, including Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, (center) who brought up a point of order which stalled proceedings in the chamber on the opening day of the special ... more

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Senator Royce West, D-Dallas, raises parliamentary questions for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017. Senators Juan Hinojosa, Carlos Uresti , Jane Nelson and John Whitmire listen intently. less

State Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, leads a caucus of Democrats expressing their objections to legislation, especially immigration-related law, on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18. His district is one identified by a federal court panel as racially imbalanced. less

State Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, leads a caucus of Democrats expressing their objections to legislation, especially immigration-related law, on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18. ... more

Photo: Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-News

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Senator Lois Kolkhorst cleans her glasses while talking to Senator Carlos Uresti on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Senator Lois Kolkhorst cleans her glasses while talking to Senator Carlos Uresti on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Senator Carlos Uresti greets Lt. Governor Dan Patrick on the lecturn before the start of the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Senator Carlos Uresti greets Lt. Governor Dan Patrick on the lecturn before the start of the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Lt. Governor Dan Patrick gavels in the Senate on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick gavels in the Senate on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017.

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Lt. Governor Dan Patrick states that the motion to debate the legitimacy of the special session will not be considered as several Democrat senators raise the question on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017. less

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick states that the motion to debate the legitimacy of the special session will not be considered as several Democrat senators raise the question on the opening day of the special ... more

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Senators Juan Hinojosa (from left) Carlos Uresti , Jane Nelson and John Whitmire listen to arguments presented to the bench debating the legitimacy of the summer session on the opening day of the special legislative session on July 18, 2017. less

Senators Juan Hinojosa (from left) Carlos Uresti , Jane Nelson and John Whitmire listen to arguments presented to the bench debating the legitimacy of the summer session on the opening day of the special ... more

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Rev. Billie Watts with Travis Park united Methodist Church in San Antonio, listens to ab activist live feed in an overflow area before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol for the start of the Special Session, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

Rev. Billie Watts with Travis Park united Methodist Church in San Antonio, listens to ab activist live feed in an overflow area before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol for the start of ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Rae Martinez, of San Antonio, welcomes participants to an overflow area for activist training before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol for the start of the Special Session, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

Rae Martinez, of San Antonio, welcomes participants to an overflow area for activist training before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol for the start of the Special Session, Tuesday, July ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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April Henshaw, of Houston, listens to a live feed of activist training in an overflow area before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol for the start of the Special Session, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

April Henshaw, of Houston, listens to a live feed of activist training in an overflow area before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol for the start of the Special Session, Tuesday, July ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

Image 31 of 43

Former Democratic candidate for Texas governor Wendy Davis talks to participant before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol for the start of the Special Session, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

Former Democratic candidate for Texas governor Wendy Davis talks to participant before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol for the start of the Special Session, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Former Democratic candidate for Texas governor Wendy Davis talks with Emma Pettigrew, 13, and her mother, Michele Pettigrew, of Garland, Texas, before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol for the start of the Special Session, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender indentity. The Pettigrew family was participating in support of Emma's 15-year-old transgender brother, Alex. less

Former Democratic candidate for Texas governor Wendy Davis talks with Emma Pettigrew, 13, and her mother, Michele Pettigrew, of Garland, Texas, before "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" at the state capitol ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Victoria Benavides, 39, of San Antonio, joins others for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Tuesday was the start of the 30-day Special Session. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

Victoria Benavides, 39, of San Antonio, joins others for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Tuesday was the start of the 30-day Special Session. ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

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John Shanks, 76, of Austin, shows his support for trees at the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Tuesday was the start of the 30-day Special Session and Gov. Greg Abbott, is pushing regulation would do away Texas citiesÕ control over trees on private property. less

John Shanks, 76, of Austin, shows his support for trees at the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Tuesday was the start of the 30-day Special Session and ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

Image 35 of 43

A diverse group of organizations and individuals gather for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature started on Tuesday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

A diverse group of organizations and individuals gather for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

Image 36 of 43

A diverse group of organizations and individuals gather for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature started on Tuesday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

A diverse group of organizations and individuals gather for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

Image 37 of 43

Lindsey Jett, 25, of San Marcos, joins others for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature started on Tuesday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

Lindsey Jett, 25, of San Marcos, joins others for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in front of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature started on ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

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Former Texas state senator from Fort Worth, Wendy Davis, right, and advocate Montserrat Garibay rally the crowd at "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the rotunda of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature started on Tuesday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

Former Texas state senator from Fort Worth, Wendy Davis, right, and advocate Montserrat Garibay rally the crowd at "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the rotunda of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

Image 39 of 43

Brant Kinzy, 11, of Austin, chants along with the crowd at the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the rotunda of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature started on Tuesday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. Behind Kinzy are Aurelia Schaeffer-Preston, 14, left, and his sister, Zia Schwartz-Kinzy, 14. less

Brant Kinzy, 11, of Austin, chants along with the crowd at the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the rotunda of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

Image 40 of 43

A diverse group of organizations and individuals gather for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the rotunda of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature started on Tuesday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

A diverse group of organizations and individuals gather for the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the rotunda of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

Image 41 of 43

A diverse group of organizations and individuals march during the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the basement of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature started on Tuesday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

A diverse group of organizations and individuals march during the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the basement of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

Image 42 of 43

A diverse group of organizations and individuals march during the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the basement of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas legislature started on Tuesday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, with the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is pushing an agenda that include automatic property tax rollback elections if cities and counties raise revenue over a certain rate and preventing transgender people from using restrooms in public buildings - or at least schools - that align with their gender identity. less

A diverse group of organizations and individuals march during the "Resistance Rally and Day of Action" in the basement of the state capitol, Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A 30-day Special Session of the Texas ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

Image 43 of 43

Republicans run roughshod over Democrats as special session convenes

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AUSTIN - Republicans ran over Democrats in the Senate Tuesday to fast-track a special session agenda that’s under fire from big-city mayors, transgender advocates, educators, immigration proponents and abortion-rights activists, among others.

“It’s frustrating, but we’re not going to take anything lying down. We’re going to do everything we can to represent our community,” said Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, after Democratic efforts to slow down the process were shut down by the Republican majority.

“Children in Texas have a damn hard time getting access to health care. That’s a tragedy. Access to education for all too many students is not there. That’s a tragedy. You have too many people working a full-time job and living in poverty. We have too many adults without health care,” said Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez. “That’s what you should be talking about.”

Nick Morrow, the Human Rights Campaign's press secretary for southern states, said the rally was organized by a range of diverse groups concerned that the agenda being pushed by state Republicans would “make Texas the most discriminatory state in the nation.”

“All of us realized that our fights are really interconnected,” Morrow said.

Besides the items on the special session agenda, protesters continued their outcry over a sanctuary cities law approved earlier this year that they fear will lead to racial profiling as officers ask about people’s immigration status. Democrats including Menéndez are pushing a beyond-longshot repeal of the measure.

Eighteen mayors from across Texas, including San Antonio's Ron Nirenberg, separately voiced objections to the special session agenda. They sent a letter to Abbott asking to meet with him, citing “harmful proposals such as revenue and spending caps, limiting annexation authority, and other measures preempting local development ordinances.”

The proposals, the mayors said, “directly harm our ability to plan for future growth and continue to serve as the economic engines of Texas.”

An Abbott spokesman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the requested meeting.

Meanwhile, the Legislature kept its focus on the agenda before it.

The Senate moved quickly to have a committee hearing on must-pass measures to keep several state agencies in business, overriding a Democratic effort to delay consideration. Democrats said the move gave the public virtually no notice of the bills, which the full Senate could take up Wednesday.

“I think if we're doing the people's work, we should let the people have a say,” Sen. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, said to cheers at the rally when she recounted the goings-on. “It is wrong, it is un-Texan, to do the people's work without people's input.”

Democrats didn’t object to the sunset legislation itself, which is acknowledged as necessary and got unanimous backing in Tuesday’s Senate committee hearing.

But Democrats are worried about what comes next. After the Senate approves the sunset legislation, Abbott said he would allow lawmakers to consider a slew of other measures that are opposed by a wide swath of groups and championed by Patrick. The lieutenant governor forced the special session by stalling the sunset legislation in the regular session, giving him another chance at passing some of his priorities.

The other proposals would restrict which public restrooms transgender people can use; allow for state support for private school tuition for special-needs students; affect abortion, including health plan coverage; and restrict local officials’ authority in areas ranging from taxes to rules on cell phones to permitting.

The bathroom bill, in particular, has highlighted a chasm between Abbott and Patrick, who say it’s necessary for privacy and safety; and House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, who opposes it as harmful to the state economy and vulnerable Texans.

Straus nevertheless has said his chamber will give “due consideration” to Abbott’s agenda. Like the Senate, the House is moving forward on the sunset legislation, with a hearing set for Wednesday.

There have been rumors that Democrats, outnumbered in the House as they are in the Senate, might opt against showing up and deny Republicans a quorum. But such a move would be extraordinary and high-risk, since Republicans could paint them as not doing their jobs, and the Democrats couldn't stay away forever.

As lawmakers came together for the session, both chambers began with a prayer that included a plea for wisdom.

“Save our leaders from themselves,” prayed Capt. Brett Anderson, chaplain of the 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Division of the Texas Army National Guard based in Waco. “Save them from their friends, and their enemies too.”